What are the different home remedies for swimmer’s ear ? – Part 1

What is Swimmer’s Ear

• It is caused by excess water getting trapped in the ear canal.
• It generally happens most during the summer or the swimming season.
• It can also happen throughout the year as well.
• Swimmer’s ear is also known as Otitis Externa.
• It is a condition when the ear is infected and gets an inflammatory feeling.
• It leads to fungus or bacteria.
• Their skin becomes soft around the ears leading to wrinkles on it.
• The extra soft skin could then break and create room for infections to enter.
• If there is any cut, the harmful bacteria in the water could then enter and create havoc.
• This problem causes great pain and discomfort.
• One experiences formation of earwax, loss of hearing, pain or swelling in the ear amongst other things.

Home Remedies for Swimmer’s Ear

1. Rubbing Alcohol and White Vinegar
• Rinse ears using a cotton ball that is soaked in a mixture of half white vinegar and half rubbing alcohol.
• According to Dr. Emily Senay, a CBS medical correspondent, the vinegar can kill any bacteria lurking in the ear.
• The rubbing alcohol will dry out excess water.

2. Olive Oil
• Warm a few drops of extra virgin olive oil.
• Then place it in ear.
• Cover with a cotton ball to prevent drainage.

3. Hot Compresses
• Hold a heating pad or warm cloth against the painful ear.
• The heat will help evaporate excess water.
• It will then reduce pain in the ear.

4. Baby Oil
• Place two to three drops of baby oil into the ears prior to entering the water.
• This can help prevent swimmer’s ear.

5. Garlic Oil
• To reduce the inflammation, place two to three drops of garlic oil into the ear canal.
• This can also aid in healing and boost immunity.

6. Blow Dry
• Set your blow dryer to a low heat setting and gently blow into the ear.
• Hold the dryer at least 12 to 18 inches away from the ear.
• This should help eliminate any excess water in the ear.

7. Ear Plugs
• Consider using ear plugs made for swimmers when you are in the water.
• This will help prevent water from getting in the ear and causing irritation.

Other Additional Home Remedies

• Mix equal parts of white vinegar, water and hydrogen peroxide solution and put in to the affected ear.
• Application of hot compress on the affected ear reduces pain and soreness.
• Resting one’s ear against a heating pad with a towel in between gives immense relief.
• Cleansing one’s ear with a saline solution is another effective remedy.
• Swimmers must take care not to jump into unclean water as it could contain bacteria.
• Care must be taken to wear a swimmer’s cap to avoid water from entering into the ear canal.
• Swimmers are advised not to poke into or scratch their ears.